The Federal Government’s plan to ensure steady electricity supply to federal universities and tertiary hospitals has hit a roadblock as funds allocated for the project in the 2025 budget have not been released.
Although about N300bn was approved in the 2025 Appropriation Act for a special energy intervention, implementation has yet to begin due to the absence of cash backing. The initiative, announced last year, was designed to provide stable power through solar hybrid and renewable energy systems.
The Special Adviser on Media to the Minister of Power, Bolaji Tunji, confirmed the development, stating that no money has been released for the project. “There has been zero funding for the 2025 budget allocation, so there is no progress,” he said.
The intervention was introduced to tackle persistent electricity challenges in public universities and teaching hospitals, many of which rely heavily on diesel generators to operate critical equipment. Lawmakers had said the project would guarantee uninterrupted power supply, reduce energy costs, and promote clean energy use.
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The Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation, Abubakar Bichi, had earlier explained that the proposal followed complaints from Chief Medical Directors of teaching hospitals over rising electricity and diesel expenses. Some hospitals reportedly spent up to N200m monthly on power.
Despite the budgetary provision, beneficiaries such as University College Hospital, Ibadan, and Lagos University Teaching Hospital confirmed that the solar mini-grids have not been installed. Officials at the institutions said assessments were carried out, but work has not commenced.
The delay comes amid broader budget implementation challenges, including revenue shortfalls, high debt servicing, and limited funds for capital projects. Analysts note that while projects may be captured in the budget, execution depends on actual cash releases.
As the wait continues, universities and hospitals remain burdened by high electricity tariffs and unstable supply, forcing them to depend on costly diesel generators while the promised intervention remains on hold.
